Obituary of Joseph Paul Suchcicki

Joseph Paul Suchcicki, 40, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024, after bravely facing a terminal brain cancer diagnosis for the second time in his short life. Joe’s parents, Mike and Lani Suchcicki, his sister and brother-in-law, Kate and John Durden, and his beloved niece, Lucy, will forever remember how much love and fun they shared together.

Short of stature but big of heart, Joe impressed all who met him with his kindness and good humor, especially around Christmas or birthdays. He excelled at finding the perfect gift, often spending months developing an idea or theme. Although he had a quiet demeanor, Joe could deliver exquisite zingers resulting in fits of laughter from the room.

His integrity was without equal. He refused to take advantage of anyone, even if it was a business that accidentally gave him a free item; he would return it without hesitation. He would never swindle, lie or cheat. And perhaps the greatest measure of the man, something of which he was very proud: He returned every shopping cart. (He did not treat that lightly.)

His interests were varied, from creating scenarios for an exciting game of Dungeons & Dragons for the local gaming community to brainstorming with his dad to develop a new card game to listening to Celtic Woman, from whom he received a personalized 40th birthday video message courtesy of family friends Ken and Nancy Goldsby, David Bunch, and Michelle Weiss. Joe also loved collectibles, with Pops figures and elaborate gaming dice being his favorites.

When he was diagnosed at seven years old with medulloblastoma, Joe told his parents that he believed he was given this burden so that another child didn’t have to suffer. After two harrowing years, he survived with the expertise of pediatric oncologist Dr. Thomas Jenkins, who ironically also passed away from brain cancer. Joe was named a Miracle Child for Sacred Heart Hospital and became a representative for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Thirty-two years later, when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme grade 4, Joe’s sentiment on why this had happened to him had not changed. His greatest desire was to continue to honor the responsibility he was given by donating his brain to cancer research. The nonprofit Gift From a Child, National Children’s Hospital, and Family-Funeral & Cremation were instrumental in fulfilling that final wish.

Joe, who was known as J.P. in his early years, was a graduate of Woodham High School, Pensacola State College, and The Art Institute. He was employed at the Pensacola News Journal and Manheim Auto Auction. Before he was physically unable to work, Joe assisted the Pensacola Jazz Society with its website and newsletter.

In addition to his immediate family, Joe is survived by his aunts, Dianne Richards of Pensacola, Lisa Siverly of Daphne, Alabama, and Cheryl Hodaba of Poughkeepsie, New York; his uncles, Brian and Mike Siverly of Pensacola, Kevin Siverly of Daphne, Peter Hodaba of Poughkeepsie, and David Suchcicki of Huntington, Indiana; and his cousins, Scott Cross, Lauren and Spencer Siverly, Tina de Leeuw and Matt Hodaba, John and Casey Suchcicki, and Brandon Jaeckel.

Joe was preceded in death by grandparents, Paul and Ann Siverly and Casey and Dorothy Suchcicki; his uncles, George Richards, and Steven and Rick Suchcicki; and his favorite pet cat, Miss Boo, who he and his sister rescued one Halloween.

The Suchcicki family would like to extend a special thanks to Clayton Henry, who has been Joe’s friend since childhood and stood by him through both cancers; to Matthew Freeman, Alice Crann Good, Cortney Cain, and Dana and Rodney Eagerton, who each made it their mission to lift Joe’s spirits throughout this latest diagnosis; to Tina Conner, Seema Kalra, Mary Keenan and Melinda Cannon, who ensured Joe’s mom practiced self-care; to David Rech, who shared his inspiring personal journey with Joe; to two angels on earth, nurses Cassie Spicer at Ascension Sacred Heart and Mary Bucci at Ascension Sacred Heart Radiation Oncology, whose tender care and kindness brightened Joe’s mood through his toughest hours; and to nurse DJ Frank and the Vitas hospice team, who helped the entire family navigate this latest journey.

Most of the people mentioned above and many more joined Joe for a celebration of life at his 40th birthday party in February. It was his wish to say good-bye on his own terms. Family, friends, and neighbors had the opportunity to share their love with Joe and enjoy food and beverages from Sneaky Tiki and Whim Cotton Candy.

If you would like to honor Joe’s life, consider donating to Gift From a Child. Note that it is a “Gift for Joe.” Please read his  profile at  https://giftfromachild.org/2024/06/04/joseph-p-suchcicki and share the link so others can give as well. Our greatest hope is that all the suffering that Joe endured was worth the future childhood cancer treatment breakthroughs his tissue samples may unlock.

 

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